360 - Heat Exchanger Leak? Gearbox/Coolant

I've cut open several, all of which have had the same deposits.
It's an electrolytic reaction, caused by the antifreeze breaking down. Bentley also suffered similar issues years ago with the heater matrix. It was deemed that coolant change intervals not being adhered to were the cause.

 

Yes i am going through the hatch. Quite doable. The only issue is undoing the gearbox oil lines, but that could be overcome by undoing the connections at the gearbox end and pulling the exchanger out with the lines attached. I had to open the hatch anyway to trace the leak which seemed to come from that area. This procedure is posted as is in the workshop manual. The coupling clamps on the exchanger are easily accessible for removal and re-tightening.

 

Going from the top and removing the intake manifonld seemed more of a hassle for me, but that's my opinion. I was less comfortable in removing all that surrounds the manifold and also having to work from the top, bent over on the finishing of the car, even if it is protected. My car is at home on a 4 post lift which makes it even higher off the ground, so I have easier access from underneath and the hatch. I did the major last year so I was quite comfortable working from there. Removing the waterpump wasn't so bad. I do like to follow the procedures outlined in the WSM and access via the manifold is not mentioned. All that is mentioned is the procedure I followed or access from the rear plenum.

 

This thread has been a really good read. Thanks for posting Greg.

I picked up on this issue appearing quite common last year and added a check of the coolant reservoir to my pre-flight checks. A regular coolant change is now on the cards.

When discussing service items with my tech at the last service he also recommended regular gearbox oil changes as it is often significantly discoloured when drained down indicating it gets a hard life. Maybe a bit OTT but with the miles I plan to do, the cost of a gearbox oil change isn't close to a single tank of fuel (UK) so I will now have it done annually rather than two yearly.

The build up appears to be in the oil circuit and the water circuit looks relatively clear although with some signs of corrosion (the chalky deposits). IMO This could be the oil breaking down from contamination with leaking coolant over time. These things could pin-hole and leak for years before it became bad enough to really show.

Finally, If they have used dissimilar metals for the tubes (copper) and housing (brass) then this is just an issue waiting to happen. Fatigue will cause these to fail in time no matter what.

 

I would like to buy 1 of this Heat exchanger for my 360. Anybody recommend Where I can get it from?

 

Mr cool will make you one, send them old and they dupe it.
I heard that a oem cooler was about $950...
Bet they can make you one for less.

 

Thanks so much Zcobra1. Do you have any Mr. Cool's contact ? Since I really don't have his contact. Thank you very big.

 

Google.....Mrcool heat exchangers.....mrcool.us

 

I have heat exchangers....what are you looking for??

PM me

 

Has anyone installed this aftermarket part?

Dynamic Technology Group

I am thinking of having my water pump rebuilt and getting this heat exchanger part replaced at the same time at my next annual as a preventative. If switching to a tranny cooler is a better way to go, would do that. But would like to know if it's been done successfully.

 

First of all, never heard of it. Second, It's almost 3x the price of an OEM heat exchanger on eurospares. My car has 56k miles on it. If the coolant is replaced regularly, it shouldn't fail. And if it does replace it, do a few flushes of coolant and transmission oil respectively. Heck I might even add some detergent to the system and recirculate it. To rebuild a tranny after is equivalent to redoing your hardwood floor if you spill some engine oil on it IMHO.

 

Search on here for comments, I believe Brian Crall was particularly scathing...

 

I'm already back mate: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/428085-project-f430.html

 

Very nice choice! I had to go back and read about what happened to the 360. I think you made a nice upgrade!

 

I just read through this post. One question, looking at the attached diagram wouldn't it be possible to access the cooler from below as it's just aft of the water pump or is the exhaust manifold in the way?
Thanks
Alan
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Its actually hidden beneath the air intake. The Red covers and air intake tubes on top of the engine.. if you take a flashlight, its beneath it in between the "V" in the top of the engine. Just two hose clamps, well four if you take off and replace the connecting tubing while you're at it. The problem is access.

 

It's in a very crowded place. A lot needs to come off to access it.

 

Folks,

I have been reading the posts in this thread and truly appreciate all of the great feedback and advice. I had the exchanger problem in my 360 and discovered it last week. I have been researching on how to resolve the problem and decided to go through the firewall hole to replace. That was definitely the right choice because it was not hard to remove the water pump which is right in front of the exchanger. The only challenge was removing the hoses connected to the water pump behind.

I also removed the seats in the car to make it easy to access everything.

The oil in the cooling system drains out easily. I was worried I would have gunk all over but the oil flows out without a problem. I just used water as all of the plugs were open and the oil poured out.

Now that I know the gig it is a 2 hr job to do it all but the first time is a 4 hr job.

Walter

 

Glad to hear you were able to do the job as I did through the firewall. I know it's a PITA to remove the clamps and oil hose fittings, but I' d rather do that then work from the top and get a migraine from the blood rushing to my head and risk scratching the paint.